About the position
The Deputy Health Commissioner position is the second most senior position in the department, reporting directly to and advising the Health Commissioner. Together with the Health Commissioner, the Deputy Health Commissioners oversee the department’s 13 programmatic divisions, each addressing different diseases, populations, and health risks. The specific areas of responsibility overseen by this Deputy Health Commissioner position will be based in part on the experience and interest of the most highly qualified candidate. It is the responsibility of the Deputy Health Commissioners to coordinate and look for synergies among the different divisions under their direction, and to develop the public health strategy that will enable the entire department to fulfill its mission of protecting and promoting the health of all Philadelphians. The position reports to the Health Commissioner and works closely with the other Deputy Health Commissioners and division leadership teams. This role requires excellent supervisory, organizational, interpersonal communication skills and writing skills, as well as strong problem solving and analytical skills.
Responsibilities
- Work with Division Directors to establish and oversee systems for data collection and analysis that provide insight needed to better prevent diseases and promote health.
- Work with Division Directors to develop strategies for prevention, including setting appropriate quantitative long-term goals and shorter-term objectives.
- Coordinate prevention strategies across the different focus areas.
- Oversee execution of these strategies, including establishing performance metrics and setting up systems for continuous quality improvement.
- Establish mechanisms for cooperation between Divisions and synergy in reducing risks and preventing health problems.
- Work with Division Directors to set budgets needed to execute these strategies, braiding funding from local, state, and federal sources, and monitor expenditures to ensure that they are within approved budgets.
- Serve, in rotation with others, as Incident Commander for public health emergencies.
- Communicate (orally, in writing, and through presentations) health risks and prevention strategies to the press, the public, and elected officials.
- Propose policies, where appropriate, that reduce health risks, and work with stakeholders on policy enactment and implementation.
- Serve as central advisor to the Health Commissioner on all public health problems and as a core member of the department’s Executive Team.
Requirements
- Master’s in public health (doctoral preferred) with at least 5-10 years of experience managing governmental public health programs or Medical degree with at least 5 years of experience managing governmental public health programs, preferably in a senior role.
Benefits
- Unlimited FREE public transportation through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program.
- 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
- Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
- Wellness program offering eligibility into the discounted medical plan.
- Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
- Generous retirement savings options.
- Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
- Tuition discounts and scholarships for employees and their dependents.
